LAPD Starts Occupy Wall Street Arrests

Police in LA have moved to clear protesters from around City Hall as the Occupy Wall Street movement seeks roots from coast to coast.

By Gabe Kahn.

First Publish: 11/28/2011, 9:11 PM

LAPD

CC/Shay Sowden

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began making arrests Monday morning after Occupy Wall Street protesters camped outside city hall defied a court order to decamp.

According to police, at least 1,000 people flooded into the area around City Hall Park before the Sunday night (08:00 GMT) deadline.

"The best way to keep a non-violent movement non-violent is to throw a party, and keep it festive," protester Brian Masterson was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

However, while the party was in full swing, some of those camped outside attended sessions on resistance tactics, including how to stay safe should police employ rubber bullets or using pepper spray. Many said they would refuse to leave and were willing to be detained.

Earlier, a Los Angeles police chief, Charlie Beck said: "I have no illusions that everybody is going to leave. We anticipate that we will have to make arrests."

By 05:00 (13:00 GMT) police said those blocking streets would be arrested, but those staying in the park would not. The protest camp inside the park has grown to an estimated 485 tents.

Officers carrying batons and less-than-lethal weapons took to the streets to break up sit-ins by angry protesters.

LAPD commander Andy Smith confirmed for Reuters several arrests had been made. Smith refused to comment on when - or if - police planned to clear City Park Hall itself.